News, observations and reader questions about the Sacramento Kings and the NBA.

June 26, 2008

In an e-mail to the Bee just minutes ago, Kings small forward Ron Artest indicated he may indeed opt out of his contract before the Monday deadline and become a free agent.
Asked about a NY Post column in which Peter Vecsey said Artest would be opting out, Artest had the following to say.
"I never knew so many teams would be coming after me," he wrote. "All I can say is I made a hundred degree turnaround."
Of course he may have meant a 180-degree turnaround, but you get the idea. As I mentioned on the Rise Guys this morning, Artest opting out can't be that shocking to anyone who knows him well. While he would most certainly make more money by becoming a free agent next summer, his name is hot at the moment and numerous championship-caliber teams appear to see him as their missing piece. If there is one player in the league who would be willing to lose money for the chance to go deep in the playoffs and get a ring, it's Artest. For all his complexities and his penchant to distract, he is a beast of a competitor who truly wants to win. Stay tuned for more throughout the day. - Sam Amick